The Martin Roth-Initiative is one of the largest relocation programmes for artists and cultural actors at risk world-wide. From 21 February to 8 June 2025, ifa Gallery Berlin is showcasing for the first time in a joint exhibition the work of almost 50 fellows who, with help from the Martin Roth-Initiative, were able to continue and further develop their artistic practice in safety in Germany.
The exhibition Once We Were Trees, Now We Are Birds brings together positions from different disciplines, such as visual art, performance, literature and photography, addressing issues such as social violence, political suppression, restrictions on freedom of speech and human rights. Among other things, it explores the circumstances leading to loss of homeland and how life changes in a new home country. It includes considerations of current challenges, such as migration policy, anti-Muslim racism and the growth of authoritarian forces.
For the exhibition, each artist designs a poster which visitors can take away with them. Posters have a long tradition as a medium for information, freedom of speech and artistic activism. At the same time, as printed works, posters are a counterpart to the endless stream of digital images and may be understood as an act of resistance. The exhibition takes up these threads.
Once We Were Trees, Now We Are Birds invites viewers to reflect on discontinuities, turning points and fresh starts.
The performative counterpart to the exhibition is the festival at the Goethe-Institut in Exile, which takes place from 6 to 8 June 2025. It offers a varied programme of performances, film screenings, discussions, readings, concerts and DJ sets.
Exhibition opening: 20 February 2025, 19:00
Exhibition period: 21 February to 8 June 2025
ifa Gallery Berlin
Linienstraße 139/140, 10115 Berlin
Opening hours Tue-Sun, 14:00-18:00, Thu 14:00-20:00
www.ifa.de
Festival: 6 to 8 June 2025
Goethe-Institut in Exile
Kunsthaus ACUD
Veteranenstraße 21, 10119 Berlin
www.goethe.de/exil
Free admission
